Where Children Receive a warm Welcome

Self-driving in South Africa between friendly accommodation in malaria-free areas, combining the excitement of Cape Town, the beauty of the Garden Route beaches and some great game-viewing in the Eastern Cape

Including - flights, hire car, Cape Town transfer, all meals, drinks and game drives on safari, and breakfast at other properties

From £2955
15 nights

DAY 1Fly overnight from London to Cape Town

DAYS 2 to 5Having described this as self-drive, you will actually be met at the airport in CAPE TOWN and driven to Welgelegen, charming and small, on the slopes of Table Mountain in the leafy old-established area of Gardens, close to the Mount Nelson Hotel.The hotel is surrounded by a fragrant garden and was created by converting two Victorian houses joined by a delightful cobbled patio where you can enjoy breakfast and, perhaps, a glass of wine at the end of the day after the children have gone to bed. The rooms are all individually designed and evening meals can be arranged to suit you.Your car will be delivered to you so you can explore locally – Cape Town has plenty to keep all ages busy!

DAYS 6 and 7Set off for your journey along the Garden Route. We have chosen Schoone Oordt Country House in SWELLENDAM where a converted Coach House which is now a private and cosy cottage and ideal for families.In the area, in addition to activities such as kayaking on the breathtaking Buffeljags Dam and exploring the magnificent Langeberg Mountains on horseback, you can 'pick and taste' at a youngberry farm and, for something VERY different, visit Sulina Fairy Sanctuary where thousands of faries are displayed in the house and the magical garden!

DAYS 8 to 10Driving further along the coast you will pass through Knysna and, just beyond PLETTENBERG BAY with beautiful beaches for bathing, is Hog Hollow Country Lodge, a welcoming family-run property set in a private nature reserve. Organised babysitting, special turn downs with a glass of fresh milk and a gingerbread man, children's stories and CDs, buckets and spades and boogie boards along with an earlier dining time with special menus are all part of the service.Each suite has a bedroom, separate living room with a sofa that can convert into a comfortable bed and a private deck overlooking the forest beyond. In the main house the dining room has a sociable large table, and there are several congenial relaxing areas as well as a bar and pool.While in the area, spend a day at Monkeyland, a sanctuary not just for African species but also for lemurs and primates from around the world who live free in the forest with birds and a variety of other creatures. Nearby is another sanctuary where you can choose to ride or just walk with the resident elephants.

DAYS 11 to 14Having had your appetites whetted, head off to the Eastern Cape where the private reserve of LALIBELA, with a dense population of wildlife, offers an excellent safari experience. Big Five sightings occur regularly and other game including zebra, giraffe, antelope, hippo, cheetah, hyena and wild dog are all abundant. Of the three camps at Lalibela, Mark's Camp is ideal for families with a comprehensive Kiddy Programme that includes special game drives, arts and crafts activities and child minders.The stone and thatch family chalets are comfortable and, between game drives, you will be able to spend time by the swimming pool, relax in the large lounge and perhaps bird watch from the viewing decks which over look a waterhole. The outdoor dining "boma" for fireside dinners will certainly make for memorable evenings and complete an unforgettable holiday for the whole family.

DAY 15Drive to Port Elizabeth to drop off the hire car. Fly via Johannesburg overnight to London

What About?

Grootbos Private Nature Reserve also makes families very welcome. It is close to HERMANUS, perfectly situated for land-based whale watching as mothers, calves and energetic bulls come to within 30 meters of the rocky shoreline, breaching, tail-slapping and lob-tailing. Specialized guides accompany the children on exciting treasure hunts, excursions to the beach and rock pools, abseiling and trips through the reserve. Children can also help feed the farm animals and enjoy horse riding lessons and hack through the fynbos.

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Including - flights, transfers, all meals and activities on safari, hire car and breakfast at other hotels
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